iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Pro: Key Differences and Which One to Choose

Highlights

• iPhone 15 starts at $799, iPhone 15 Pro starts at $999
• iPhone 15 Pro features a 120Hz ProMotion display and Always-On technology
• iPhone 15 Pro has an advanced camera system with a telephoto lens and macro photography
• iPhone 15 Pro includes the new Action Button for customized shortcuts

The latest flagship(well almost even if they are about to be year old) smartphones from Apple, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, offer a range of features to cater to different users’ needs and budgets.

While the iPhone 15 Pro commands a premium price tag of $999, the standard iPhone 15 is more accessible at $799.

Let’s explore the key differences between these two devices to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

Design and Build Quality

One of the most notable distinctions between the two models lies in their design and build materials.

The iPhone 15 Pro flaunts a sleek and robust titanium frame, providing superior durability and a premium feel.

In contrast, the iPhone 15 features an aluminium enclosure, which is still sturdy but not as robust as the Pro variant.

The Pro model is slightly heavier at 206 grams compared to the iPhone 15’s 172 grams.

Display and User Experience

Both phones sport a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2556 x 1179 pixels and support for HDR content.

However, the iPhone 15 Pro boasts ProMotion technology with a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz, ensuring smoother scrolling, animations, and overall responsiveness.

Additionally, the Pro model features an Always-On display, allowing you to view essential information like the time, widgets, and notifications without fully waking the screen.

Camera Capabilities

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the advanced camera system found in the iPhone 15 Pro.

In addition to the 48MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide cameras shared with the iPhone 15, the Pro variant includes a telephoto lens with 3X optical zoom, enabling better zoomed-in shots and improved subject separation.

The Pro model also supports macro photography, Apple ProRAW, and Night Mode portraits, features absent in the standard iPhone 15.

That and the fact that there is also 8K recording that is restricted for the iPhone 15 Pro model, makes the former a very enticing option.

Performance and Battery Life

Under the hood, the iPhone 15 Pro is powered by Apple’s latest A17 Pro Bionic chip, while the iPhone 15 utilises the previous generation’s A16 Bionic.

This performance gap translates to smoother multitasking, faster app load times, and better handling of demanding tasks like high-fidelity gaming on the Pro model.

Apart from all that, the iPhone 15 Pro has 8GB of RAM compared to 6GB in the iPhone 15, further enhancing its multitasking capabilities.

This becomes especially pertinent due to the upcoming Apple Intelligence AI features that are said to require a minimum of 8GB of RAM.

As a result, only the iPhone 15 Pro and onwards devices are going to benefit from these revolutionary features.

In terms of battery life, the iPhone 15 Pro edges out its sibling, lasting up to 23 hours during video playback tests, compared to 20 hours for the iPhone 15.

Additional Features

The iPhone 15 Pro introduces a new Action Button feature, located on the left side of the chassis.

This customisable button can be programmed to launch specific apps or perform specific tasks, enhancing convenience and productivity.

The standard iPhone 15, however, retains the traditional mute switch.

While both phones feature the Dynamic Island notch design and can reach a peak brightness of 2,000 nits (according to Apple), the iPhone 15 Pro’s superior display and camera capabilities make it a more compelling choice for power users and content creators.

Which One is Better for You?

In summary, while the iPhone 15 offers a capable and affordable option, the iPhone 15 Pro justifies its premium price with superior design, display technology, camera capabilities, performance, battery life, and additional features like the Action Button.

However, if these advanced features are not essential to your needs, the standard iPhone 15 may be a more practical choice.

At least in India the difference between the two models is quite huge, and in some cases the device may actually cost upto double during sale offers.

Have a look at what you can actually afford versus what you need in a smartphone and then make an informed decision.

FAQs

What are the main differences between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro?

The iPhone 15 Pro offers a 120Hz ProMotion display, a more advanced camera system including a telephoto lens, and an additional Action Button for customized shortcuts.

It also uses the newer A17 Pro Bionic chip and has more RAM compared to the iPhone 15.

Is the display quality different on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro?

Yes, while both have a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, the iPhone 15 Pro supports ProMotion technology with a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz and includes Always-On display functionality.

Does the iPhone 15 Pro have better battery life than the iPhone 15?

The iPhone 15 Pro offers slightly better battery life, lasting up to 23 hours of video playback compared to the iPhone 15’s 20 hours.

Are there any exclusive features on the iPhone 15 Pro not available on the iPhone 15?

Yes, the iPhone 15 Pro includes the new Action Button, macro photography capabilities, and support for Apple ProRAW and Night Mode portraits.

Which iPhone should I choose if I need more storage options?

The iPhone 15 Pro offers more storage options, including 1TB, which is not available for the iPhone 15.

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